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Tips to crack your job interview

The most important task before preparing for a job interview is to start with a self assessment of whether you suit the position and organization in question. 

Here are a few tips on how you can sail through your first job interview.

The foremost issue all organizations face is that candidates do not match up to the needs of the job. Many job aspirants look at their careers from a myopic view of brands and fancy designations coupled with fat salaries. The first five years of one′s professional life are formative, which is why this period should be utilized to gather profound professional experience. This is not the time to hunt for a cozy post.

The most important task before preparing for a job interview is to start with a self-assessment of whether you suit the position and organization in question.Visualise yourself as a part of the organization:

How confident do you feel about being there? Is the work is in line with your interest and natural abilities?

The inner call, backed up by research, is crucial before you choose to go for the interview. There is a job for everyone; they just need to home in on the right place.

- A lot of engineers may actually do well in creative positions than technical roles. If technical expertise is your area of interest and prowess, go for it.Evaluate which subject or activity you are best at. It shows your interest and natural inclination. If the inner call says, `choose an alternative career,′ please do so. Do not succumb to social pressure. It is better to succeed than to `ape′ and remain mediocre.

- The interviewer has been entrusted with the task of hiring the best in a competitive environment. It is thus your responsibility to convince him/her of your capabilities. Data and facts always help, so converge on tangible information rather than abstract points. However, the statistics must be focused on competencies.

- Provide information on your strengths with evidence of its practical application in real life.

- Talk about your extracurricular activities and the difficult choices you made in life; it shows leadership attributes and job-fit skill sets.

- Talk about facts that show you make your choices and are not led by others alone. Highlight team activities you have undertaken - it shows your ability to collaborate.

- Elaborate on situations that make you feel proud - it shows confidence and self-motivation.

- Discuss instances when you have helped others - it is a sign of empathy. Finally, in a positive way, share instances of personal challenges that brought you where you are today - it exhibits strength of character.

- Speak about your career vision. When you know how the job fits in the grand picture of your career, the interviewer is most likely to choose you because it creates certainty.

This is rare because many engineering graduates are disillusioned and openly talk about being explorers. Be clear where you wish to go. Employers would not like to waste time, money and effort on individuals who are continually exploring. If that is the case, go for career advice or seek other professional help before interviews.

In the case of engineers, interviewers′ expectations are going to be specific. They look for thought leadership, precision in all you do, the ability to comprehend a problem and create solutions, an innovative mindset and critical thinking. As an engineer, your ability to lead a team will carry tremendous weight. Above all, one must "look and feel" like an engineer and not a casual person from nowhere.

Lastly, understand that rejection has nothing to do with you personally. It is about an understanding that your abilities do not suit the job. So, gear up for the next opening.

- Niket Karajagi